Direct Peer Support During Times of Crisis

Northern Hope Center provides direct peer-based crisis support for adults experiencing emotional distress, behavioral health symptoms, substance use-related crisis concerns, or co-occurring needs.

Peer-Based Crisis Services may include de-escalation, emotional support, safety planning, stabilization support, resource navigation, referral coordination, and connection to ongoing behavioral health, recovery, housing, medical, and community supports.

Northern Hope Center is also seeking final DBH approval to provide 23-Hour Crisis Observation and Stabilization services.

23-Hour Crisis Observation and Stabilization will be available only when approved, staffed, and appropriate for the participant’s needs.

Who May Access the Service

This service is intended for adults who may be experiencing:

• Emotional distress
• Behavioral health symptoms
• Mental health crisis concerns
• Substance use-related crisis concerns
• Co-occurring behavioral health and substance use needs
• Housing instability or other immediate stressors
• Need for peer-based support, stabilization, and connection to care

What Peer-Based Crisis Services Include

Services may include:

• Crisis screening
• Peer-based emotional support
• De-escalation
• Safety planning
• Stabilization support
• Wellness monitoring
• Resource navigation
• Substance use treatment referrals
• Warm handoffs to community providers
• Connection to recovery supports
• Discharge and follow-up planning when appropriate

23-Hour Crisis Observation and Stabilization Status

Northern Hope Center is seeking final approval from the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health to provide 23-Hour Crisis Observation and Stabilization services.

Once approved and staffed, COS services may provide short-term observation, wellness monitoring, stabilization support, de-escalation, safety planning, referral coordination, and discharge planning for up to 23 hours and 59 minutes.

These services will be provided only when authorized, staffed, and appropriate for the participant’s needs.

Services Not Provided

Northern Hope Center is not:

• An emergency department
• An inpatient psychiatric hospital
• A medical detoxification facility
• An involuntary treatment facility
• A hospital-level medical provider

Individuals needing emergency medical care, inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, medical detoxification, or involuntary treatment will be referred or transferred to the appropriate level of care.

Referral Process

Peer-Based Crisis Services may be accessed through:

• Self-referrals
• Walk-ins during operating hours
• Community referrals
• Healthcare providers
• Behavioral health providers
• Partner organizations
• Family or natural supports

Submitting a referral does not guarantee admission to a specific service. Northern Hope Center will review service eligibility, safety, staffing, and appropriateness of care.

Hours of Operation

Current operating hours apply to drop-in, behavioral health support, case management, peer support, and referral services.

23-Hour Crisis Observation and Stabilization hours will be posted once final approval, staffing, and operational readiness are complete.

Partner Referral Information

Northern Hope Center collaborates with hospitals, Tribal health organizations, behavioral health providers, recovery support agencies, shelters, housing partners, emergency response partners, and community organizations to help participants access appropriate services and ongoing support.

Emergency Notice

Northern Hope Center is not an emergency medical provider.

If this is a medical emergency, call 911.

Emergency Disclaimer

Northern Hope Center is not an emergency medical provider. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support.